“School violence controversy” Stray Kids’ Hyun-jin sobbed at the concert: “Do I deserve to be loved?”
Hyun-jin, a member of Stray Kids, who resumed his activities after about five months of self-reflection due to his controversy over school violence, expressed his feelings at the concert.
Yesterday (May 1st), Stray Kids held the Stray Kids 2nd World Tour “MANIAC” at Jamsil Indoor Gymnasium in Songpa-gu, Seoul. At the end of the concert, Stray Kids members gathered on stage and expressed their feelings with tears. In particular, Hyun-jin confessed his feelings after looking around the packed audience for a while.
Hyun-jin said, “I think we can face such a beautiful scene only when we endure and endure. That’s why this is more precious and valuable.” Hyun-jin then continued, “I’m not used to being loved like this, and I even thought, ‘Do I deserve to be loved?'” and burst into tears after saying, “I still don’t know why (our fans) still like me.” He also said, “But I love being loved. I want to be loved continuously. So I decided to become stronger and stronger. I hope that my existence will not hurt you.”
Fans who heard this cheered Hyun-jin from their seats, shouting, “You’re doing well!”. Hyun-jin then said, “As time passed, everything is precious to me. It is so beautiful and nice to see everyone running toward their dreams, including our team. Thank you so much for not falling down, and thank you STAY for not falling down with me.”
He said, “I will do my best to make you guys think of ‘love’ when you guys think of me. I will do my best so that you guys can be proud and happy whenever you think of me. I love you, STAY. That’s how I felt.” After Hyun-jin finished his speech, the members hugged him tightly and wiped away his tears.
Previously, Hyun-jin stopped all activities in February last year due to his controversy over school violence. According to the contents published on online communities at that time, the victim claimed to have suffered violence and verbal abuse from Hyun-jin during middle school days.
In response, Hyun-jin posted a handwritten apology on Stray Kids’ fancafe 4 days after that “suspicion of school violence” was raised. Hyun-jin said, “I sincerely apologize to those who were hurt by my inappropriate comments during my school days. I feel ashamed and I have no grounds for excuses. Whether there was any intention or not, I believe that it is unforgivable to inflict harm on others.”
At the time, JYP Entertainment announced, “Hyun-jin will go into self-reflection after suspending all his activities as a celebrity.” However, Hyun-jin soon returned through Stray Kids’ single album and official schedules only 5 months after the controversy.
Hyun-jin’s side revealed that during these 5 months, he has directly met with those who wrote the posts, sincerely apologized and resolved their misunderstandings. He has spent time self-reflecting by continuing his donations and volunteer activities that he had been doing before the controversy.
Meanwhile, Stray Kids became the third K-pop artist to top Billboard’s main chart “Billboard 200” (as of April 2nd). They will meet fans around the world with 18 concert nights in 10 cities starting from June.
